The Hunterdon Art Museum: Pay $179,947.73 owed to the Town of Clinton

In 2001, NJDEP (New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection) informed the Hunterdon Art Museum (the Museum) that they and the three other property owners needed to bring the Dam and Dike up to current safety regulations or have them removed entirely. The estimated cost was over $1 Million dollars! The Town stepped in to help and not only secured a grant of $914,000 but also cosigned a loan from NJDEP. By 2009, just as the plans for repairs on the dam and dike were finalized, the Museum asked that their patio expansion project be included and agreed to pay back the Town for the extra expense. The Town of Clinton agreed. In December of 2010, the Town requested the first payment for the patio project. In January 2011, a second notice was sent to the Museum who then requested a detailed accounting for the project. This was provided. The Museum did not pay the bill and hired an attorney. From 2011-2012, the Museum changed attorneys four times, each time sending negotiations back to the beginning. The Town Council has now passed a resolution requesting that the Hunterdon Art Museum pay the 179,947.73. Because the Town secured the grant and assumed the financial accountability for the project, the Dam and Dike were successfully repaired and continue to enrich the community. However, the Museum continues to delay paying this bill. Their decision to withhold these funds is contributing to tax increase for Clinton residents. Please support me in asking The Museum to comply with this resolution.

Letter to

The Hunterdon Art MuseumThe Hunterdon Art Museum

Executive Director of Hunterdon Art MuseumMarjorie Nathanson

I just signed the following petition addressed to: The Hunterdon Art Museum.

----------------Pay $179,947.73 owed to the Town of Clinton

In 2001, NJDEP (New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection) informed the Hunterdon Art Museum (the Museum) that they and the three other property owners needed to bring the Dam and Dike up to current safety regulations or have them removed entirely. The estimated cost was over one million dollars!The Town stepped in to help and not only secured a grant of $914,000 but also cosigned a loan from NJDEP. By 2009, just as the plans for repairs on the dam and dike were finalized, the Museum asked that their patio expansion project be included and agreed to pay back the Town for the extra expense. The Town of Clinton agreed. In December of 2010, the Town requested the first payment for the patio project. In January 2011, a second notice was sent to the Museum who then requested a detailed accounting for the project. This was provided.The Museum did not pay the bill and hired an attorney. From 2011-2012, the Museum changed attorney four times, each time sending negotiations back to the beginning. The Town Council has now passed a resolution requesting that the Hunterdon Art Museum pay the 179,947.73 by Sept. 25, 2012.Because the Town secured the grant and assumed the financial accountability for the project, the Dam and Dike were successfully repaired and continue to enrich the community. However, the Museum continues to delay paying this bill. Their decision to withhold these funds is contributing to a tax increase for Clinton residents. Hunterdon Art Museum, please fulfill your obligations and support you community by paying your bill.